40s Lime Green Strapless Party Dress

A lovely late 1940s or early 50s party dress in an unusual lime-green color. Tea length, full-skirted party dress with strapless creamy yellow crossover bodice edged in tulle. Figure-flattering details include a nipped waist emphasized by the built-in cummerbund, and coordinating piping trim at the hips. Metal Lamar side zip with top hook&eye. Unlined bodice is boned all around to hold its shape. Skirt, which is a full circle (but separate acetate lining is not) is edged in horsehair stiffener for stability and shape. From the Poll estate.

We show the dress with and without our crinoline, not included. 

Labels: Lord & Taylor 
Long before there were branches throughout the U.S., there was the original, high-end department store on Manhattan's 5th Avenue. They always had the best dress department, even many years later.

Fiber/Care: unmarked, but we'd bet the farm it's rayon with acetate lining and nylon tulle

Condition: lots of dings, but perfectly wearable, if you can fit into it! there are a few spots here and there, but nothing conspicuous, and lost in the voluminous skirt (none on the bodice). the tulle is a bit of a wreck -- this includes the tiny trim at the bodice, and the accompanying tie (for waist or neck) and shawl/wrap, both of which resemble swiss cheese and could be repurposed without guilt. 

This dress was originally a floor-length gown. To get it truly clean and wearable, we had to hand wash it. The outer skirt shrank considerably, so we had a professional seamstress take up the lining and rework the hem, transforming it into a lovely, tea-length party dress. Read the story and see photos of the process here.

*This dress has been thoroughly hand-washed, professionally pressed, and is ready to wear.*

Garment Measurements:
 side seam, underarm to waist: 8.5"/21.5cm
 top of cup to waist seam: 10.5"/26.5cm
 bust: 31"/78.5cm plus at least 5"/12.5cm more in
  the cups
 rib (below cups): 25"/63.5cm
 waist: 24"/61cm
 hips: free
 skirt length: 36.5"/92.5cm
 lining hem sweep: 116"/294cm

- The dress fits Delphine everywhere but the bust (we padded the cups for the photos, and there was still room to spare). Delphine measures b: 32, rib: 27, w: 24 -

Note: International buyers are responsible for any taxes or import fees. BDV has no way to predict or estimate these costs.

(BDV SKU: 00488-001)